Reflecting on my Nursing Journey

Reflecting on my journey into nursing, I can trace my path back to my high school graduation in 2021, when I was uncertain about my future and unsure of which direction to take. I knew, however, that I had always been drawn to healthcare, partly because my mother worked in the field, and I had grown up hearing her stories and witnessing her experiences at work. Despite this interest, I wasn’t ready to commit to a specific path immediately after high school, so I took a year off to improve my grades and gain more clarity about my next steps. During this time, I started working at a nursing home as a Resident Support Attendant, a role that would eventually shape the course of my future. My responsibilities there included assisting personal support workers (PSWs) and nurses, feeding residents, assisting with serving meals, and performing light housekeeping duties. This experience allowed me to see the daily realities of healthcare work, and I began to develop a deep sense of fulfillment in helping others. It was this first hand exposure to patient care that solidified my desire to become a nurse. Encouraged by this experience, I applied to the Practical Nursing Program at Fleming College and was accepted into the program later that year. While studying at Fleming, I continued to work at the nursing home, which provided me with a unique opportunity to apply what I was learning in real-time. The accelerated Practical Nursing Program at Fleming was intense, but it gave me invaluable exposure to various clinical environments. I completed clinical placements in settings such as stroke/rehabilitation, surgical, emergency, mental health, and long-term care units in both Lindsay and Peterborough. During these placements, I was challenged to adapt to different healthcare contexts, which required me to quickly apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. After finishing my first year of the program, I worked as a Personal Support Worker in the same nursing home, further refining my skills in patient care. This hands-on experience helped me feel more comfortable in a healthcare setting and solidified my commitment to nursing as my career path. In my final semester, I decided to challenge myself further by applying to the Trent University Compressed Nursing Program, a pathway that would allow me to advance from a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) to a Registered Nurse (RN). I was accepted into the program and began studying full-time at Trent University while continuing to work as an RPN at the Ross Memorial Hospital.

The transition from a nursing student to a new graduate nurse was both exciting and daunting. I found the increased responsibilities overwhelming at times, particularly as I was now expected to work more independently and make critical decisions regarding patient care. Alharbi’s (2023) study on newly graduated nurses connects with my experiences, particularly in terms of adapting to a new environment and role. The article discusses how new nurses often struggle with the challenges of increased responsibilities and managing complex healthcare situations, which mirrors the difficulties I faced. I struggled with self-doubt and lacked the confidence to make decisions, particularly in high-pressure situations. However, as I gained more experience and received feedback from my mentors and colleagues, I gradually became more confident in my abilities. One of the most challenging aspects of my nursing education has been managing the demands of school while balancing work and financial responsibilities. The accelerated program left little room for breaks, and I found it difficult to maintain a work-life balance, especially during my final clinical placement, where I had to work full-time alongside a preceptor and complete 400 hours in a clinical setting. I often felt the weight of financial stress as I tried to support myself while completing my education. This challenge has continued in my current program at Trent University. As I work part-time as an RPN while attending school, I’m again faced with the pressure of managing both financial obligations and academic responsibilities. Grant-Smith’s (2019) research on the financial difficulties faced by nursing students, especially those involved in unpaid clinical placements, resonated with me. The study highlighted how many nursing students experience financial strain due to the unpaid nature of clinical placements and the heavy demands of the programs. I, too, have felt the strain of this financial burden, but I also recognize the value of these clinical experiences in preparing me for my future career. Though the financial challenges are difficult, I know that the practical knowledge and skills I am gaining through these experiences are essential for my development as a nurse.

Looking back, my journey into nursing has been both challenging and rewarding. The more I learn, the more I am convinced that nursing is the right path for me. I have discovered a deep passion for patient care, and my coursework at Trent University that has further ignited that passion. The theories I am learning about such as communication, patient advocacy, and ethical decision-making are helping me to understand the complexities of nursing practice on a deeper level. As I continue my studies, I feel more equipped to handle the demands of the profession. However, there are still moments of uncertainty, particularly around the demands of balancing work, school, and the emotional toll that nursing can take. What worries me most is the emotional resilience required to deal with the often difficult and heartbreaking situations I may encounter in practice. I know that the journey ahead will be challenging, but I am committed to continuing to learn and grow, both academically and personally. The road to becoming a nurse has not been easy, but it has been incredibly fulfilling, and I look forward to the many opportunities for learning and growth that lie ahead.